Very interesting, brief introduction to the subject
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In my opinion, TNGG provides a good introduction to the geopolitics and recent history of the area. Each of the main countries in central Asia is covered in a single chapter, a structure that I found useful and logical.
The book is written in a fairly objective tone with a reasonable number of anecdotes that maintain interest. It is not, however, an in depth study so if you follow the broadsheets or read 'Foreign Affairs' every couple of months then this will not educate you - I don't and TNGG did teach me a lot.
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Disappointing to say the least
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This book summarizes all events of the region from the last few years. If one regularly reads the newspaper then it offers not much new. Apart from that, Kleveman is trying to portray himself as a journalist that is always on the front line of he region he tries to portray as dangerous. The chapter in Pakistan is quite good though.
This book is not much more than a anti-american and anti-russian travel diary of the authors time in Central Asia. Very disappointing.
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Another book in the pipe-line maybe?
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This is a good primer for the political situation in the Caspian area It should be essential reading for the numerous expats involved in the oil industry in the country's mentioned, but it is written in such a way that anyone can enjoy the revelations Kleveman has put to paper.
The book is well structured, each country is dealt with as a seperate chapter but it interlocks to tell the story of the whole area.
My only negative comment is that some of his research has likely been compiled over a few beers in the expat bars that litter the Caspian oil towns. Some of the stories Kleveman has mentioned, especially in Kazakhstan are rather far fetched (I have worked in Kazakhstan for the last seven years) and have undoubtedly been exaggerated by some degree by the subjects Kleveman interviewed. The oil industry expat's ability to spin stories is as widespread as the corruption.
The chapter on Turkmenistan was excellent, a real eye-opener to this unusual country. Kleveman's coverage of the 'pipe-line' poilitics throughout the book deserve special mention as well.
The book is slightly dated now, there have been a number of events, eg. the uprising in Uzbekistan that have left the book back in the past. Hopefully Kleveman will pack his back-pack again and complete another circuit to produce an updated version, if he does I will certainly be buying it.
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Both real and surreal -- this is an eye opener
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"On the wall behind the Foreign Minister [of Abkhazia]'s desk is a life-sized embroidered picture of a naked woman." [Page 46] Surreal! These occasional amazing comments just add to what is a superb book even if these were not there. To think how an entire region can be ruined by greed and politics. For a layman as myself the style and detail is pitched just about right. An execellent read!
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Oil & Politics in the Caspian
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A fascinating read, I work for a oil company in Kazakhstan which is mentioned in the book and found the political insight absolutely amazing. I recommend this to all who either are working in the region or who are interested in the politics of the Caspian and beyond.
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